By Mark Archibald
Commissioners accepted the resignation with mixed emotions. Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Perry offered his best wishes and congratulated Davenport on his retirement.
Davenport said the decision was bittersweet, but the timing was right.
“I’m 78 years old, and I have a lot I want to accomplish in retirement,” Davenport said.
He said he plans to remain available to share his experience with Navarro County Judge-elect Colby Karhan.
Davenport also pointed to Navarro County’s economic development and the courthouse restoration as signs of the county’s progress.
“The future of Navarro County is bright,” he said.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Davenport thanked friends, family members and colleagues for their support over the years.
“Thank you for supporting me through the years,” Davenport said. “What a wonderful thing to have happen to me.”
Davenport was first elected in 2006, becoming the first Republican elected countywide in Navarro County.
A rancher and musician, Davenport graduated from Navarro College in 1968 and was named a distinguished alumnus in 2012.
He and his wife, Carole, have been married 55 years and have children and grandchildren.
A reception honoring Davenport is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 28 at Once Upon a Venue in Corsicana.
Karhan, who defeated Darrell Cobb in the May runoff, was sworn in by District Judge James Lagomarsino in the county courtroom.